At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse employment cases and support senior lawyers on complex matters.
- Company: Respected practice known for City-quality advice with a personal touch.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Clear career progression and ongoing mentorship from experienced lawyers.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in employment law.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 2-5 years’ experience in employment law.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 + Bonus
Location: Guildford
Hybrid Working & Clear Progression
Are you an ambitious Employment Solicitor looking to build your career within a highly regarded, commercially focused team? This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected practice advising a diverse client base on complex and high-profile employment matters, while benefiting from genuine progression opportunities and strong mentorship. Our client is recognised for delivering City-quality advice with a more personal, human-first approach. You will gain exposure to high-quality work, a broad client base, and a supportive environment that encourages both professional and personal development.
The Role: Varied, High-Quality Employment Work
As an Employment Solicitor, you will manage a broad caseload across both contentious and non-contentious matters, while supporting senior lawyers on more complex instructions. Key responsibilities include:
- Advising on Employment Tribunal claims, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing
- Supporting on TUPE, restructures, and redundancy processes
- Drafting and advising on employment contracts, policies, and settlement agreements
- Providing day-to-day HR advisory support to employer clients
- Assisting with restrictive covenant and senior executive matters
- Supporting senior colleagues on complex, high-value disputes
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Contributing to seminars, workshops, and business development initiatives
Team & Environment
You will join a collaborative Surrey-based Employment team working closely with the wider business services division. The team advises:
- SMEs and growing businesses
- Larger corporates seeking high-quality, cost-effective advice
- Senior executives and high-net-worth individuals
The culture is supportive, commercially focused, and people-driven, with a strong emphasis on delivering practical, solutions-based advice.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
- 2–5 years’ PQE in employment law
- Experience handling both contentious and non-contentious employment matters
- Strong technical knowledge of:
- Employment Tribunal procedures
- Employment contracts and policies
- Redundancy and restructuring processes
Desirable:
- Experience advising both employers and employees
- Exposure to complex disputes and senior executive work
- Interest in business development and client engagement
Career Progression
- Clear pathway from Solicitor to Associate and beyond
- Exposure to high-quality, complex work to accelerate development
- Opportunities to build your profile through client engagement and events
- Ongoing mentorship from experienced senior lawyers
Salary & Benefits
- £55,000 – £75,000 base salary (dependent on experience)
- Performance-related bonus
- Hybrid working (flexible office/home split)
- Private healthcare
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Structured training and development programme
- Supportive culture promoting work-life balance
Location & Working Arrangements
- Guildford-based role
- Hybrid working model with flexibility
- Full-time position, with openness to alternative working patterns
Next Steps
To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact: David Hawthorne-Finch Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com Alternatively, apply now to receive further details and arrange a confidential conversation. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.
Employment Solicitor in Guildford employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Solicitor in Guildford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informal chats with professionals in the field. This is your chance to ask questions, learn about their experiences, and get insider tips. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Prepare examples of how you've handled employment law cases or contributed to business development initiatives. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After interviews or networking events, don’t forget to send a follow-up email. Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep yourself top of mind, and we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Solicitor in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your PQE in employment law and any relevant cases you've handled. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employment law and how your experience aligns with our values. Keep it personal and engaging, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an Employment Solicitor, strong communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We appreciate straightforwardness, so let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on key employment law concepts, especially those mentioned in the job description like unfair dismissal and discrimination. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific cases or situations you've handled that relate to both contentious and non-contentious matters. This will help you demonstrate your experience and problem-solving skills during the interview, making it easier for the interviewers to envision you in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey complex information effectively.
✨Engage with Business Development Ideas
Given the emphasis on client engagement and business development, come prepared with ideas on how you could contribute to these initiatives. This shows that you're proactive and ready to add value beyond just your legal expertise.